#Exhibit of the Month

The exhibit of the month for November is a rare glass goblet from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov cemetery, discovered in Tigheci. Dated to the second half of the 4th century AD, this remarkable artifact demonstrates the craftsmanship of the time, made from translucent greenish glass with a truncated cone shape and intricate geometric decoration. The goblet features three rows of hexagonal facets, framed by incised lines, and a row of elongated ovals under the rim, characteristics which classify it within Series VII A, according to E. Straume's classification. These ornamental traits hint at artistic influences from various regions and indicate the spread of technologies and ideas within the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture.

Archaeological Context of the Discovery

The Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov cemetery at Tigheci is located in a historically complex area, positioned on the northwest slope of the Tigheci River, at the "La Lutărie" point. First identified in the 1980s following unauthorized clay extraction, the cemetery has suffered considerable damage, leading to the loss of valuable artifacts and the destruction of graves. Among the objects recovered by Mr. Ion Pușcașu, founder of the Museum of History and Ethnography in Tigheci, are wheel-thrown ceramic items reflecting the traditions and techniques of communities during the Migration Period.

The site was first archaeologically investigated in 1990, when a complete inhumation grave was found, though lacking any inventory. Subsequent surveys in 2013 and 2015 by the National Archaeological Agency revealed ongoing erosion damaging the cemetery, necessitating a rescue excavation in 2017. This campaign documented and investigated five graves from the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture, including the skeletal remains of a male individual estimated to have been 40 to 45 years old at the time of death, offering additional insights into the demographic structure of this community.

Cultural Significance and Comparisons

The hexagonally faceted glass goblet is among the most valuable artifacts from the Tigheci cemetery. Similar goblets are characteristic of the Sântana de Mureș-Chernyakhov culture and have been found in notable sites such as Târgșor and Bârlad-Valea Seacă (Romania) and Gavrilovka, Ranjevoe (Ukraine), reflecting the cultural and trade connections of this community with other centers of influence in Late Antiquity. Ancient texts and cultural parallels suggest a complex interaction zone with Hellenistic and Roman influences, reflected in luxury goods production such as this glass goblet.

Virtual Tour

Exhibitions

"Porcelain Object – the Art and the Evidence"

May 18 - November 18, 2012

It is a temporary exhibition focused on the most representative pieces of porcelain collection of the museum; it can illustrate certain realities, issues, occupations, in other words, it contains historical information. There is displayed only a part of the porcelain collection, which to some extent illustrates its typological variety and marks the stages of development of porcelain in various European countries. The selected and displayed pieces in the vast majority fall into the category of functional decorative porcelain made in countries with rich traditions of porcelain art.

The exhibition invites to a trip into the world of porcelain, the pieces on display ensuring a charming and instructive journey into the past. The historical value of the collection covers a large period of three centuries. Despite the different eras and styles, all the pieces have something in common - they can be classified as historical evidences. The exhibition traces a very interesting connection - it uses the porcelain as a means of enlightening the aspects of social and cultural history of the Bessarabian society. We should mention that the historic value of many of the exhibits is amplified due to their production on famous porcelain factories. And the diversity and beauty of forms and an impressive range of ornaments on the items made by large world-class companies or small workshops justify the proposed approach. Historical and documentary value of these pieces is enhanced when they refer to eminent figures of the past. In this sense, it should be noted porcelain items once belonging to N. Morosanu, M. Gamburd, L. Deleanu, N. Masalski, V. Miliutin, N. Kamenev, the families of Lazo and Cantacuzino.